Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of the appointments?A: The cost of the appointments is entirely free. We are here to help you!

Q: Is this an affordable process for my business?A: Yes, the consultation and appointments are both free of charge.

Q: What kind of work do you do for my business?A: We work with small businesses in the following aspects:

Sustainability

Business Start-up

Business Growth

Global Sales

Business Development

Technical Commercialization

Marketing

Procurement

Selling to Government

Financing

Q: Do you do anything besides working with businesses on consultations?A: Yes, we do! We help startup businesses develop business plans and file the correct information. We also help businesses with normal development such as business growth, hiring employees, etc. at little or no cost to you!

Q: Are there any programs that are available to help further my business?A: Yes, we offer several workshops throughout the year that help to develop your business. At little to no cost, they are a worthwhile investment for the longevity of your business.

Q: Can I send my employees to The Center to have them learn about becoming more green and becoming sustainable?A: We offer many training opportunities that you and your employees can attend. Although sometimes a fee is required for the training sessions, the fee is a meaningful investment for the future of your company. The dates are listed online in our calendar.

Q: Does The Center for Green Industries offer any interns that would be willing to come and work with my business?A: Depending on your needs, we may be able to arrange for a Master's in Business or Environmental Studies student to meet with you and work with you on a plan to find solutions to your questions or concerns.

Q: Are there any other means of workforce development?A: We offer seminars and workshops for you and your employees to attend to help to develop your workforce. There are also various locations within the region that offer workforce development programs.Q: Why become green and sustainable?A: When becoming green and sustainable, the ultimate goal is not only to help the environment, but to make your business more profitable and successful.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sustainability

Q:What is sustainability?

A: According to the EPA, sustainability is defined as, "Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have, the water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment"--http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm

Q: Why has sustainability come about?A: According to the EPA, sustainability has come about because,"Sustainability has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. In its early years, EPA acted primarily as the nation's environmental watchdog, striving to ensure that industries met legal requirements to control pollution. In subsequent years, EPA began to develop theory, tools, and practices that enabled it to move from controlling pollution to preventing it.Today EPA aims to make sustainability the next level of environmental protection by drawing on advances in science and technology to protect human health and the environment, and promoting innovative green business practices."--http://www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm

Q:Is sustainablitiy a fad or a trend?A: According to ICLEI,"Sustainability has evolved over several decades to become a mainstream concept. For example, countless corporations, such as Walmart and DuPont, now recognize the benefits of sustainable practices that minimize environmental impacts, use resources more efficiently, and save them money to increase profits. Individuals, small businesses, universities, local governments, national governments, and the United Nations have all adopted or promoted sustainability in different ways."-http://www.icleiusa.org/about-iclei/faqs/faq-sustainability-and-local-governments

Q: How can I become sustainable?A: Simple everyday practices can be a great starting place. Something as easy as turning off computer towers and monitors at the end of the day, shutting off lights when you leave the room, and installing sensor faucets in restrooms. These practices are either free or at a very low cost, but doing simple things like these can make your business more sustainable and more profitable at the same time. If you would like more information on how to become sustainable, please visit our calendar and attend one of our First Step Workshops. After the workshop feel free to register for a free consultation with the Duquesne University Center for Green Industries. Click here for our contact information.